Those aged 25 to 34 go on the fewest walks at an average of 12.6, followed by 18 to 24-year-olds at 12.9.

And just five per cent of Brits say they walk in the countryside with the sole intention of spotting wildlife.

But over two thirds - 68 per cent - of those surveyed think the government should be doing more to conserve wildlife.

The study was commissioned to mark the launch of the new series of Sir David Attenborough's 'Natural Curiosities' on UKTV channel Watch.

Sir David commented: "This report shines a spotlight on some of the most curious and interesting species at large in the UK today.

"I have been lucky enough to see most of the animals listed in the wild except for the pine marten, which are exceptionally hard to spot as they live up in the tree tops.

"It is interesting to note that many of our supposedly common species are also hard to spot in the wild.

"The fact that a quarter of British adults have never seen a wild hedgehog suggests that we are witnessing rapidly dwindling numbers."

Retired Hull University lecturer Dr Bunnell said: "Britain is fortunate to have so many beautiful and fascinating species spread across the landscape, some harder to spot than others regardless of population numbers.

"Only the very diligent and curious amongst us will succeed in spotting any of the top ten listed here in their natural habitat but it is well worth the effort."

UKTV's general manager of Watch Steve Hornsey, said: "Britain is full of extraordinary and astonishing wildlife but as this report has highlighted sighting them in the wild can be quite an achievement."

Species Sir David studies in the new series include the emperor penguin, wood frog, rhino, hedgehog, gorilla and vampire bat.